Merits and Flaws
Combo Disciplines
you help to summon them in exchange for their assistance in whatever web you ’ ve spun yourself .
Then there are the demons who come to you at all hours of the night , while you are trying to relax , while you are trying to hide from the Sabbat attack squad , while you are trying to do anything other than deal with a demon . You help these creatures in exchange for them leaving you the hell alone . Sometimes you wonder which is the better deal : power or solitude . Regardless of what the answer truly is , demons infest your haven , your coven ritual room , your car , and every other aspect of your life .
Relic Hunter
Some would say you watched way too many Indiana Jones movies when you were a kid , but they didn ’ t realize what kind of future you were going to embark upon . Being Embraced by the Baali was ironically a godsend , fulfilling your destiny of becoming an adventurer looking to find lost treasures and tombs . The bloodline doesn ’ t pay for your gallivanting , of course , but you ’ ve had a pretty penny stored up since you were little . It is more than enough to keep up this life style for a few years at least , as you chase one lead after another in the hopes of uncovering something your coven can use to strengthen their power .
Your time is spent jumping on high-speed planes to travel during the day and spending entire nights digging holes to find hidden secrets . Sometimes it works out , sometimes it doesn ’ t , but this is certainly the “ life ” you ’ ve always wanted . You ’ ll only hand up your battered fedora when the money ’ s gone or you ’ ve completed your journey to death .
Merits and Flaws
The High Price ( 3pt . Merit )
The burden of acquiring truth or power always comes at a high price . None know that more than these Baali , who sacrifice a part of their own soul in aspiration of greatness . Their physical body is wracked with weakness and pain , capping any Physical Attributes at four dots and costing 1 Willpower point every evening when they rise . In exchange for this tribute , the Baali receive + 2 dice to any Discipline-related checks .
Simply Waiting ( 4pt . Merit )
The Baali knows their place within the order of the universe , and where they stand against other vampires or those of their own bloodline . They also know the end of the world is coming , sooner rather than later . They appear apathetic to the world around them , but in truth , they are simply resigned to their fate and remain unmoved if others try to get them to stray from their path . All Social rolls against them are increased by + 2 difficulty , as the Baali knows the true end of it all .
Carrion Presence ( 2pt . Flaw )
This affliction represents the Baali ’ s true connection to the decrepitude their bloodline commands . Pestilence is attracted to the Baali ; flies leave their delicious carcasses to circle around the vampire , rats crawl along their limbs and squeak their praises , and vultures can be seen circling them at almost all times . The degree to which they are afflicted differs from character to character , but there is no getting rid of their swarm . Swatting their flies simply calls others to take their place . While quite disgusting to most , these vampires wear such a thing with pride . It does , however , make dealing in non-Baali circles quite difficult .
Dark Aura ( 3pt . Flaw )
Even without the use of Auspex , the Baali seems somehow wrong to anyone they interact with , emitting a terrifying aura of sickness and power . The character is always at a slight disadvantage when dealing with other vampires or those touched by the divine , as they sense the depravity of the Baali ’ s soul . Baali with this Flaw suffer a + 2 difficulty to all Social rolls , unless they are using Intimidation . To those who use Auspex to view the Baali ’ s aura , it appears as a thin , red mist surrounding the character with the occasional watchful eyes appearing within .
Plague of Demons ( 4pt . Flaw )
No matter what , demons are constantly drawn to the Baali . Once in a while , this can be a benefit ( Baali with this Flaw are at -1 difficult to summon a particular demon ), but most of the time these nefarious spirits are distractions . They scream in the Baali ’ s ear , tug at her clothes , or screw with her possessions … and always at the worst possible moment . The character is at + 1 difficulty for any rolls involving Perception . Further , once per session , the Storyteller can convert one of the Baali ’ s dice rolls into a botch .
Combo Disciplines
Command the Swarm ( Daimoinon ••, Animalism • )
The more powerful a Baali becomes , the more corrupted their form . Putrid insects and shadowy vermin
16 BAALI